In a landmark cultural partnership, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has appointed Grammy Award-winning artist Mojo Morgan of Morgan Heritage as the inaugural musical ambassador for the Kingston City Run (KCR) 2026. The official announcement and signing ceremony took place at Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in New Kingston, featuring the exclusive premiere of Morgan’s newly produced single ‘Spirit’—officially designated as the event’s anthem.
The 2026 edition, themed ‘Pirates Run Di City’ and scheduled for March 15, integrates music, health advocacy, tourism, and philanthropy into its core mission. JHTA President Christopher Jarrett emphasized that the run transcends athletic achievement, serving as a vehicle for community transformation and social impact.
Morgan’s ambassadorship and the anthem ‘Spirit’ align thematically with Kingston’s ongoing initiatives to support vulnerable populations, including those affected by Hurricane Melissa. The track, which samples Hillsong United’s ‘Oceans’, embodies themes of resilience and spiritual strength.
This collaboration coincides with Morgan’s upcoming ‘King in the Royals’ world tour—a pioneering dual-headliner production featuring Morgan Heritage and Beenie Man. The tour aims to elevate reggae and dancehall to global stadium-level platforms, revitalizing the international touring circuit for Jamaican music.
Since its inception in 2013, Kingston City Run has raised over $21 million for charitable causes. For the 2026 event, organizers aim to generate an additional $5 million for beneficiaries including Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Open Arms Development Centre, Alpha Institute, Missionaries of the Poor, and Food For The Poor, with special attention to western parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa.